Back-to-back two-gang electrical box

ABSTRACT

An electrical box including a central housing with a first side opening, a second side opening opposite the first side opening, and a rear opening, each of the first and second side openings configured to receive an electrical or data interface device, a first extension compartment around the first side opening, the first extension compartment including a first door, a second extension compartment around the second side opening, the second extension compartment including a second door, and an exterior cover extending at least partially over the central housing, the first extension compartment, and the second extension compartment.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates electrical boxes, and more particularly,to a back-to-back electrical box for indoor and outdoor applications.

BACKGROUND

Various electrical boxes for indoor and outdoor use are known.Electrical boxes can be single gang to accommodate one outlet or switch,or multi-gang to accommodate two or more outlets or switches.

Multi-gang boxes are generally arranged to position outlets or switchesside-by-side. For example, the Hubbell HBL985 wall box is a two-gang boxfor delivering power, data, or AV side-by-side. These wall boxes aretypically mounted with the outlets or switches facing outward from awall. When outlets are side-by-side, one outlet may be blocked when anoversized plug is used. Further, it may be difficult to use outletsfacing outward from a wall when they are located behind furniture or intight spaces.

Some devices exist for mounting outlets on outdoor posts, however, mostonly accommodate single outlets our side-by-side outlets, such as B-KLighting Receptacle Bollards and Legrand Outdoor Charging Stations. U.S.Pat. No. 7,234,670, assigned to Arlington Industries, describes one postthat allows for outlets to be mounted opposite one another. However, thepost is limited in its applications and cannot be mounted in differentconfigurations.

The present invention solves these and other problems in the prior art.

SUMMARY

An object of the present invention is to provide an improved electricalbox having a variety of electrical and data interface devices (i.e.,outlets/receptacles, switches, etc.) positioned on opposite sides. Afurther object of the present invention is to provide an improvedelectrical box which can be mounted both vertically and horizontally.

In one exemplary embodiment according the present disclosure, anelectrical box is provided including a central housing with a first sideopening, a second side opening opposite the first side opening, and arear opening, each of the first and second side openings configured toreceive an electrical or data interface device, a first extensioncompartment around the first side opening, the first extensioncompartment including a first door, and a second extension compartmentaround the second side opening, the second extension compartmentincluding a second door. In some embodiments, an exterior cover extendsat least partially over the central housing, the first extensioncompartment, and the second extension compartment.

The first side opening may include a first electrical or data interfacedevice and the second side opening may include a second (e.g.,different) electrical or data interface device. In some embodiments, thefirst interface device is a high voltage electrical outlet or switch,and the second interface device is a low voltage data or audio/visual(AV) outlet.

The electrical box may have a rear side including the rear opening and afront side opposite the rear side, wherein the rear opening isconfigured to attach to a mount box. In some embodiments, each of thefirst and second doors are hingedly attached to edges of the front side.The mount box may be a multi-gang box or a single-gang mount box. When asingle-gang mount box is used, the electrical box may include a mud ringat least partially closing the rear opening of the central housingaround an opening of the single-gang mount box.

In some embodiments, the central housing includes a slot extendingtherethrough on the front side. A barrier may be positioned in the slotextending through the central housing and at least partially into themount box. In some embodiments, the mount box is mounted in a wall andthe electrical box is mounted against the wall. In some embodiments, themount box is mounted on a top of a pedestal, and the electrical box ismounted against the top of the pedestal.

In another exemplary embodiment according the present disclosure, anelectrical box is provided including a central housing with a first sideopening, a second side opening opposite the first side opening, and arear opening configured to attach to a mount box, each of the first andsecond side openings configured to receive an electrical or datainterface device, a recess on a front side of the central housingincluding holes to receive fasteners for attaching the central housingto the mount box, and a slot in the recess extending into the centralhousing.

In some embodiments, a barrier extends through the slot and the rearopening at least partially into the mount box. A removable cover may bepositioned within the recess.

The electrical box according to embodiments of the present disclosure isadapted to accommodate dual voltage and can be mounted in a verticalorientation (e.g., wall mounting) or a horizontal orientation (e.g., ona pedestal) on a standard single or two gang boxes. The electrical boxis particularly suitable for outdoor applications, such as outside ahome or business or in an outdoor recreational area such as a beach orpark. For example, the electrical box may be mounted in the horizontalorientation in an outdoor recreational area or other public space forcharging devices. The electrical box has indoor applications as well.For example, the electrical box can be used indoors for receptacleswhich are located behind beds to comply with NEC requirements (e.g.,Article 210-60(b) of NEC 2014), such as in health care facilities. Withthe electrical box disclosed herein, a bed can be up against the box andthe plug/receptacle connection is protected.

The electrical box according to the present disclosure providesconsumers with the capability of installing multi-voltage devices with aprovided barrier (e.g., mounted to Hubbell's two-gang box HBL985) orwith single voltage devices where no barrier is required. If one poweroutput is blocked by an oversize plug, the box provides consumersadditional opportunity to use another side. In some embodiments, theelectrical box includes a mud ring for power distribution applications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the present disclosure and many of theattendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the samebecomes better understood by reference to the following detaileddescription when considered in connection with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an electrical box according to anexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure mounted to a two-gangbox;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the electrical box shown in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the electrical box shown in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the electrical box shown in FIG. 1 with afirst door in an open position;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are side views of the electrical box shown in FIG. 1with first and second doors in open positions;

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of an electrical box according to anexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure mounted in a verticalconfiguration on a wall;

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of an electrical box according to anexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure mounted in a horizontalconfiguration on a pedestal;

FIG. 8A is an isometric view of an electrical box according to anexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure mounted to a two-gang boxwith an exterior cover removed;

FIG. 8B is a front view of the electrical box shown in FIG. 8A with aslot cover removed;

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the electrical box shown in FIGS. 8A-8Bwith a first extension compartment removed;

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of the electrical box shown in FIG. 9 witha central housing removed;

FIG. 11 is a rear isometric view of a central housing of an electricalbox according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosuremounted to a two-gang box;

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the central housing and the two-gang boxshown in FIG. 11 ;

FIG. 13 is a top view of an electrical box according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure mounted to a single-gang box;

FIG. 14 is a rear isometric view of the electrical box shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is an isometric view of the electrical box shown in FIG. 13 withan exterior cover and a first extension compartment removed; and

FIG. 16 is an isometric view of the electrical box shown in FIG. 15 witha central housing removed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure may be understood more readily by reference tothe following detailed description of the disclosure taken in connectionwith the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of thisdisclosure. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limitedto the specific devices, methods, conditions, or parameters describedand/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for thepurpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only andis not intended to be limiting of the claimed disclosure.

Also, as used in the specification and including the appended claims,the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, andreference to a particular numerical value includes at least thatparticular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Rangesmay be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” oneparticular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particularvalue. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes fromthe one particular value and/or to the other particular value.Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of theantecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular valueforms another embodiment. It is also understood that all spatialreferences, such as, for example, horizontal, vertical, top, upper,lower, bottom, left and right, are for illustrative purposes only andcan be varied within the scope of the disclosure.

FIG. 1 shows an electrical box 100 according to an exemplary embodimentof the present disclosure mounted to a two-gang box 50. FIGS. 2 and 3illustrate top and front views of the electrical box 100 shown in FIG. 1. The electrical box 100 has a rear side adjacent to the box 50, anopposite front side, and top and bottom sides. In this exemplaryembodiment, the two-gang box 50 may be, for example, a Hubbell HBL985 orany other suitable multi-gang (e.g., two-gang) box. A further describedbelow, the electrical box 100 may alternatively be mounted to asingle-gang box (see FIGS. 13-16 ). The box 50 may be secured at leastpartially within a wall or pedestal.

The electrical box 100 may further include an exterior skin or cover110, a first end with first door 120, and second end opposite the firstend with a second door 130. The cover 110 extends over the front, top,and sides of the electrical box 100. The cover 110, and/or the doors120,130 and other components of the electrical box 100, may bemanufactured from a corrosion resistant metal such as aluminum (e.g.,cast aluminum), stainless steel or other material suitable for outdooruse, or plastic or metal for indoor use. In some embodiments, the cover110 can be different colors.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the first and second doors 120,130 may behingedly attached to the electrical box 100 and/or cover 110 with hingesincluding springs 122,132 to bias the doors 120,130 closed. Preferablythe doors 120,130 are hinged at an outside edge at the front of theelectrical box 100. Therefore, the doors 120,130 open from the walloutward when the electrical box 100 is vertically mounted, or upwardfrom the ground when horizontally mounted, to protect the switch oroutlets and the mating plugs or connector devices while in use from theelements.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the electrical box 100 includes a first extensioncompartment 140 or recessed frame with an interior cavity exposed whenthe door 120 is opened. The first extension compartment 140 may includecable cutouts 142,144 on two or more of its sidewalls to route a cord152 (having a plug 154) when the door 120 is fully closed. Theelectrical box 100 may include plugs 145 that snap into the cutouts142,144 when not in use. A second extension compartment 160 (shown inFIGS. 8A-10 ) has the same features. The exterior cover 110 may alsohave corresponding tabs 112 that are removable (e.g., break off) toreveal the cutouts 142,144.

FIG. 5A is a side view of the first end of the electrical box 100 withthe first door 120 in an open position. In the exemplary embodiment, thecavity of the first extension compartment 140 surrounds and encloses ahigh voltage electrical power outlet 150. FIG. 5B is a side view of thesecond end of the electrical box 100 with the second door 130 in an openposition. In the exemplary embodiment, the cavity of the secondextension compartment 160 surrounds and encloses a low voltage data oraudio/visual (AV) outlet. The outlets shown herein are only exemplary. Avariety of electrical and data interface devices may be installed in theelectrical box 100. Examples include, without limitation, high voltageelectrical power outlets, electrical switches, data, or audio/visualoutlets (e.g., ethernet, coaxial, telephone, HDMI), and combined powerand data outlets (e.g., USB, USB-C, etc.).

The electrical box 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure may be mounted in vertical and horizontalconfigurations. FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the electrical box 100mounted in a vertical configuration on a wall 200. The verticalconfiguration can, for example, be used indoors for receptacles whichare located behind beds to comply with NEC requirements, such as inhealth care facilities. FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the electricalbox 100 mounted in a horizontal configuration on top of a pedestal 220.

FIG. 8A is an isometric view of the electrical box 100 mounted to atwo-gang box 50 with the exterior cover 110 removed to illustrate theinternal components. The electrical box 100 includes a centralback-to-back housing 180 with a first end and opening and a secondopposite end and opening. The central housing 180 is secured to the box50 with a gasket in between. Extension compartments 140,160 are securedover the outlets 150,170 and to respective ends of the central housing180 with gaskets in between.

The central housing 180 may have top and bottom cutouts 181 to reducematerial and form a partial backstop on each side for outlets orswitches. As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the central housing 180 may alsoinclude a removable (e.g., snap in) cover 182 to allow access to arecess 189 with fasteners (e.g., four fasteners 183) for securing thecentral housing 180 to the box 50. FIG. 8B shows the electrical box 100with the cover 182 removed. Removal of the cover 182 also reveals avertical slot 185 in the recess 189 for the insertion and inspection ofa barrier between the two outlets 150,170. The slot 185 extends into thecentral housing 180 allowing a barrier to be placed between the firstand second side openings of the central housing 180 and out through therear opening. As one skilled in the art will understand, a barrier isused particularly when the voltages are different between the twooutlets 150,170, such as when one outlet 150 is high voltage electricalpower and the other outlet 170 is low voltage data or audio/visual (AV).

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the electrical box 100 shown in FIG. 8Awith the first extension compartment 140 removed and a first sideopening 184 of the central housing 180 exposed. The outlet 150 issecured into the first side opening 184 of the central housing 180. Thecentral housing 180 includes connection mechanisms, such as threadedholes 188 (see FIG. 11 ), to receive fasteners 151 (e.g., screws) toattach the outlets 150,170. A gasket 186 is positioned around the firstside opening 184 of the central housing 180.

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of the electrical box 100 shown in FIG. 9with a central housing 180 removed. The gasket 52 between the centralhousing 180 and the box 50 is shown. A gasket 186 positioned around asecond side opening (opposite the first side opening 184) of the centralhousing 180 is also shown. A barrier 54 extends between the first andsecond outlets 150,170 and into the box 50. The barrier 54 may beinserted and inspected via the slot 185 behind the removable cover 182.

FIG. 11 is a rear isometric view of the central housing 180 of theelectrical box 100 mounted to a two-gang box 50, with sidewalls of thebox 50 removed for clarity. FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the centralhousing 180 and the two-gang box 50 shown in FIG. 11 . The centralhousing 180 includes a rear opening engaging with the box 50. The gasket52 surrounds the rear opening of the central housing 180. Each side ofthe central housing 180 has two or more holes 188 for receivingfasteners 151 to attach the outlet 150 (or other electrical or datainterface device). The central housing 180 also includes holes 190 forreceiving fasteners to attach the extension compartment 140 to thecentral housing 180. There may also be a hole 192 for receiving agrounding fastener.

As discussed above, the electrical box 100 may be mounted to a single ormulti-gang boxes. FIG. 13 is a top view of an electrical box 100according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure mountedto a single-gang box 60. FIG. 14 is a rear isometric view of theelectrical box 100 shown in FIG. 13 .

FIGS. 15 and 16 are isometric views of the electrical box 100 shown inFIG. 13 with portions removed to illustrate the internal components. Thesame central housing 180 may be used for a single-gang box 60 andsecured together with fasteners under a removable cover 182. A gasket 62is positioned between the box 60 and the central housing 180. Further,when a single-gang box 60 is used, an optional mud ring 66 may beprovided to close the opening, at least partially, between the box 60and the rear opening of the central housing 180.

As shown throughout the drawings, like reference numerals designate likeor corresponding parts. While illustrative embodiments of the presentdisclosure have been described and illustrated above, it should beunderstood that these are exemplary of the disclosure and are not to beconsidered as limiting. Additions, deletions, substitutions, and othermodifications can be made without departing from the spirit or scope ofthe present disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not to beconsidered as limited by the foregoing description.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electrical box, comprising: a central housingwith a first side opening, a second side opening opposite the first sideopening, and a rear opening, each of the first and second side openingsis configured to receive an electrical or data interface device; a firstextension compartment around the first side opening, said firstextension compartment including a first door; a second extensioncompartment around the second side opening, said second extensioncompartment including a second door; and an exterior cover extending atleast partially over said central housing, said first extensioncompartment, and said second extension compartment.
 2. The electricalbox of claim 1, wherein the first side opening includes a firstelectrical or data interface device and the second side opening includesa second electrical or data interface device, wherein the firstelectrical or data interface device is a high voltage electrical outletor switch and the second electrical or data interface device is a lowvoltage data or audio/visual (AV) outlet.
 3. The electrical box of claim1, wherein each of said first and second extension compartments areremovably attached to said central housing.
 4. The electrical box ofclaim 1, wherein each of the first and second doors are hingedlyattached to the electrical box.
 5. The electrical box of claim 1,comprising a rear side including the rear opening and a front sideopposite the rear side, wherein the rear side is configured to attach toa mount box.
 6. The electrical box of claim 5, wherein each of the firstand second doors are hingedly attached to edges of the front side. 7.The electrical box of claim 5, wherein said exterior cover extends overthe front side, a bottom side, and a top side of the electrical box. 8.The electrical box of claim 5, wherein the mount box is a two-gang mountbox.
 9. The electrical box of claim 5, wherein the mount box is asingle-gang mount box.
 10. The electrical box of claim 9, furthercomprising a mud ring at least partially closing the rear opening ofsaid central housing around an opening of the single-gang mount box. 11.The electrical box of claim 5, wherein said central housing includes aslot extending therethrough on the front side.
 12. The electrical box ofclaim 11, further comprising a barrier in the slot extending throughsaid central housing and at least partially into the mount box.
 13. Theelectrical box of claim 5, wherein the mount box is mounted in a wall,and wherein the electrical box is mounted against the wall.
 14. Theelectrical box of claim 5, wherein the mount box is mounted on a top ofa pedestal, and wherein the electrical box is mounted against the top ofthe pedestal.
 15. The electrical box of claim 1, wherein at least one ofsaid first and second extension compartments includes a cable cutout oneach of at least two sides of the at least one of said first and secondextension compartments.
 16. The electrical box of claim 15, wherein theat least one of said first and second extension compartments includes aremovable plug closing at least one of the cable cutouts.
 17. Anelectrical box, comprising: a central housing with a first side opening,a second side opening opposite the first side opening, and a rearopening configured to attach to a mount box, each of the first andsecond side openings configured to receive an electrical or datainterface device; a recess on a front side of said central housing,between the first side opening and the second side opening, includingholes to receive fasteners for attaching said central housing to themount box; and a slot in said recess extending into said central housingbetween the first side opening and the second side opening.
 18. Theelectrical box of claim 17, further comprising a barrier extendingthrough the slot and the rear opening at least partially into the mountbox.
 19. The electrical box of claim 18, wherein the first side openingincludes a first electrical or data interface device and the second sideopening includes a second electrical or data interface device, whereinthe first electrical or data interface device is a high voltageelectrical outlet or switch and the second electrical or data interfacedevice is a low voltage data or audio/visual (AV) outlet.
 20. Theelectrical box of claim 17, further comprising a removable cover withinthe recess.
 21. An electrical box, comprising: a central housing with afirst side opening, a second side opening opposite the first sideopening, and a rear opening configured to attach to a mount box, each ofthe first and second side openings configured to receive an electricalor data interface device; a recess on a front side of said centralhousing including holes to receive fasteners for attaching said centralhousing to the mount box; a slot in said recess extending into saidcentral housing; and a first extension compartment removably attachableto said central housing around the first side opening, said firstextension compartment including a first door, and a second extensioncompartment removably attachable to said central housing around thesecond side opening, said second extension compartment including asecond door.
 22. The electrical box of claim 21, further comprising agasket between each of said first and second extension compartments andsaid central housing.
 23. The electrical box of claim 21, furthercomprising an exterior cover extending at least partially over saidcentral housing, said first extension compartment, and said secondextension compartment.